2018 Rewards Program

An incentive for home owners to treat the high priority invasive species of Oriental bittersweet, Phragmites, Wild parsnip, and Japanese knotweed on their property while receiving guidance about the best treatment from professionals.To receive a reward of $100 you must do the following: 1.) Provide proof of landownership 2.) Complete a cost share application (available at your local conservation district or follow thislink. 3.) Treatments that are done are done according to the NCCISMA recommendations 4.) Agree to a 3 year monitoring and treatment plan ** Funds are limited so act fast!!

IF INTERESTED CALL (231) 429-5072 to discuss further action.

Plants Eligible for the Program are:

Oriental Bittersweet

Oriental bittersweet is a vine that climbs and overtakes native trees and shrubs. Twining vines can girdle trunks and branches. The dense vines add weight to the tree's canopy, leading to breakage creating hazards. Plants spread from roots and seeds that are widely dispersed by birds and wildlife. ​

Japanese Knotweed

Japanese knotweed is a tall herbaceous shrub that grows very aggressively in disturbed areas. It excludes native plants by light limitation, nutrient cycling alterations, and allelopathy (releasing toxic or inhibiting chemicals to suppress the growth of potential competitor plant species). It's roots has a 60 foot span and are so strong they can destroy infrastructure.

Phragmites

Invasive phragmites is a wetland grass that creates tall, dense stands which degrade wetlands and coastal areas by crowding out native plants and animals, blocking shoreline views, reducing access for swimming, fishing, and hunting and can create fire hazards from dry plant material.

Wild Parsnip

Wild parsnip is a flowering herb that spreads aggressively through seeds carried by wind, water and equipment. Stem, leaves, and flowers contain chemicals that can increase skin sensitivity to sunlight and cause severe rash or blistering. The plant's chemicals are known to reduce weight gain and fertility in livestock that eat wild parsnip.